Thanks George, I appreciate the comment. The salt method is so easy and inexpensive. I have seen modelers spend lots of money on Photoetch templates to replicate a mottled effect. With salt you can replicate a much more authentic look.

This looks fabulous, Morne. There was one like that for many years on a scrap yard next to the main Ghent-Brussels highway. A plane freak myself, I was always looking for it when passing along that route! Great work!

Today I finished applying all the decals. The Hobbyboss kit has nice thin decals but the words on the stencil decals are not that clear. I therefore substituted the Hobbyboss stencils with those from the Monogram F-80 decalsheet. The mission markings were custom made by MAV Decals. Still have to add some bits & pieces and do some extra weathering before she is finished.

3 attached images. Click to enlarge.

A fantastic almost finished F-80 Morne. Waiting to see her crossing the finish line.
All the best!

Thanks Spiros. She is getting there slowly but surely.

Congratulations for your finish, Morne @mornem! Having followed your build, I can state your F-80 will be difficult to match.

This was a beautiful ride you offered to "us" modellers in this fantastic site.

A big thank you for your patience and kind approach to post all of your progress, along with detailed and explained techniques (of course the salt method pops up!), a fantastic "toolbox" for me and I'm sure for many other fellows here.

Eagerly waiting for your headlines post.

All the best, my friend!

Hello Morne, @mornem
I have been watching this build from the sidelines. In hindsight I should have made more comments along the way... It is truly a work of art, and your attention to all the tiny details is commendable.

We will be starting our Korean War group build in 20 days... less than 3 weeks from now.

I would be honored to have you kick it off with your fantastic F-80. I am pleased to see that it was finished in time.

Your build is magnificent. Thank you.

Your F-80 came out terrific. I can't wait to see your Mustang, which will be another natural metal plane, if I recall correctly. Which kit do you plan to use?